Judging from a recent Wall Street Journal article, polishing your grammar skills may give you a big leg up in your next job interview. Workplace grammar gaffes are on the rise, and it’s driving managers nuts—well-spoken candidates with grammatically sound resumes will probably stand out.

To brush up, consider investing in a writing style guide, like William Strunk and EB White’s classic, The Elements of Style. Its tips on word use and subject/verb agreement can help you avoid some common verbal pitfalls, and each of its 71 pages can help you polish your resume. It’s also a witty read, which makes it easier to absorb than your average grammar primer. Plus, once you’re on the job, you’ll likely find it a handy reference for written business communication—which can help you stand out among your more grammatically challenged colleagues.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. An interview is designed to be an exchange of information, with an underlying tone of “can I join this firm?” and “will this candidate be right for us?” It’s almost like dating: You’re both “trying each other on” to see if there’s a good fit. The typical interviewee will be asked many open-ended questions, and invariably, will be asked, “do you have any questions?” The answer should be yes, and here’s why: It’s now your chance to be the interviewer.

There’s a great article on The Daily Muse outlining the four steps when the interviewee turns into the interviewer:

Clarify Your Uncertainties

Remove Their Doubts

Uncover Red Flags

Get a View of the Future

Build a Relationship

Wrap it Up

A few things to avoid:

Don’t ask about benefits (you don’t have the job yet…)

Don’t ask where the best Happy Hour is location in relation to the firm address

The whole process of getting a job can be like the kids’ game of Chutes and Ladders: One minute you’re climbing the interview ladder, and the next, you’re down the “we’re not going to continue your candidacy” chute. One possible reason for not moving forward could just be there’s not a good fit between you and firm; another is your follow up after the interview.

A recent Forbes article outlines “4 non-annoying ways to follow up after the interview”:

Stay in touch

Get that thank you know out (FAST)

Ask to connect via Linked In

Periodically check in, if things drag out

The article outlines each item in more detail, but the message is still the same: Be persistent in a creative yet professional manner to stay top of mind.